Sec. 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes: Anywhere: An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. Over congested areas: Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle with a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. Over other than congested areas: An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Helicopters: Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. In addition, each person operating a helicopter shall comply with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits mandated restrictions of flight paths, hours of operation, and unduly prohibition of open access to airports. The only exception is for airports which had restrictions in place prior to a 1990’s congressional act. Therefore, participation in the Noise Abatement “Fly Friendly” Program is voluntary only. The Martha’s Vineyard Airport is prohibited by Federal Law from levying fines, restricting hours of operation, or restricting access to the airport (or by route by which an aircraft has access to the airport) to aid with noise abatement. The airport must rely solely on the continual notification, education, and compliance of aircraft operators. Noise abatement is dictated by safety considerations as well as federal law.
Threatening/Abusive Callers or Emails
Phone calls, voicemail messages, or written communication containing threats against people, structures, aircraft, or containing abusive language (i.e., vulgar, or offensive language that goes beyond expressing anger about a problem) may be forwarded to law enforcement officials for review.